A graduate of NAB AFL Academy who is a super athletic tall defender with elite natural leap and line-breaking speed. Is still developing his game sense but can also play forward and was used in the ruck at stages across the year where his leap shone (he also finished in the top 10 in the standing and running vertical jump tests at the Combine). Played three games for Vic Metro in the NAB AFL U18 Championships winning team.

Talent to burn but a bit concerned about the attitude...apparently doesn't even watch AFL....but glad we took the punt ...should have a few free hits after a flag a nd before we raid Gold Coast again next year.....

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Richmond has used its third selection, No. 25 overall, in the 2017 National Draft to recruit athletic key-position player Noah Balta.

Here is a summary of what Richmond fans can expect to see from Balta, in future seasons . . .

Noah Balta profile

Date of birth: 23/10/1999

Height: 195cm

Weight: 95kg

Position: Tall utility

From: Calder Cannons

Noah is an athletic key-position player, who has displayed the capacity to play almost all positions on the ground throughout the past two years.

After missing the final cut for Vic Metro under-16s in 2015, he showed great potential during the second half of 2016 at TAC Cup level for the Calder Cannons.

He had a solid 2017 overall, without consistently achieving the high standard of football he is capable of.

Regardless of that, his elite traits were never far from the surface, and he still played some top games for Calder and was a solid contributor for Vic Metro in the under-18 national championships as a key defender, including an effective negating role on highly-touted 17-year-old Jack Lukosius.

Noah has great speed and recovery, as well as a physical presence with his size and a willingness to jump into marking contests.

He is a strong contested mark, but also stays in the contest at ground level, where he displays a real desire to chase and harass.

And he’s a thumping right-foot kick, who can consistently hit the scoreboard from outside 50 metres.

We believe Noah has the attributes which will align with the brand of football we have played over the past year, and that he will be a top addition to our playing group as a developing tall.